The Bulgarian left-wing newspaper Duma has officially ended its print edition and will continue operating exclusively online, bringing to a close more than three decades of publication in paper form.
In a brief farewell message to readers, the editorial team announced the transition to a fully digital format. “Times are changing and require transformations,” the statement read. “Duma is also changing and becoming an electronic publication, but it will continue to work for you and for freedom, justice and solidarity.” The editors also thanked readers for their support over the years.
The final printed issue of the newspaper appeared on May 1, 2026. Although no official reason was given, the move is widely linked to mounting financial problems and the growing costs of printing and distribution. The decision comes during a difficult period for the Bulgarian Socialist Party, which for decades maintained close ties with the newspaper. Duma served as the main publication and political voice of the BSP after the democratic changes of 1989, often functioning as the party’s central media platform and reflecting its positions and internal debates. Following the BSP’s failure to enter parliament for the first time and the loss of state subsidies, the newspaper’s financial future reportedly became even more uncertain.
Founded in April 1990 by renowned journalist Stefan Prodev, Duma quickly became one of the most influential voices of Bulgaria’s political left during the turbulent years following the collapse of communism. Under Prodev’s leadership, the publication developed a reputation as an intellectual center for left-wing thought, attracting prominent Bulgarian writers, commentators, and public figures.
The newspaper often described itself as continuing the traditions of earlier socialist publications, including Rabotnik, founded by Dimitar Blagoev in 1892, Rabotnicheski Vestnik, launched by Georgi Kirkov in 1897, and the former communist-era newspaper Rabotnichesko Delo.
Over the years, Duma repeatedly faced financial instability, ownership changes, and political turbulence connected to developments within the socialist movement in Bulgaria. The newspaper temporarily ceased publication in 1998 and again in 2001 before returning to circulation. At different stages, its revival and operation were supported by businessman Dimitar Ivanov, entrepreneur Petar Mandzhukov, and eventually the socialist party itself.
With the end of its print edition, Duma joins a growing number of traditional newspapers across Europe shifting entirely to digital publishing as media consumption habits continue to change and print circulation declines.